Coventry City

The Sky Blues, backed by a 31,054-strong crowd at the Ricoh Arena, had 18 shots throughout the match but failed to find the net against a stubborn Alex defence.

A second-half brace from Bradden Inman and a third from AJ Leitch-Smith sealed the away-day win for Steve Davis' side in the first leg of the Johnstone Paint Trophy Area Final.

The City boss was disappointed with the manner of the goals but believes City still have a chance in the second leg at Gresty Road.

Robins said: "I think we created plenty of chances and we were good going forward, but we were done on the counter and to concede those goals was very disappointing.

"Their game-plan worked as we sought out to put on a show for the huge crowd who got right behind the side tonight, but as we looked to put on a show, they were able to absorb the pressure.

"If we took one of our early chances, I think it would have been a totally different game, but we didn't and they were able to take advantage of that.

"We just couldn't get a goal and we conceded the three goals on the counter-attack. It was like a knife through butter."

The second leg takes place at Gresty Road on Wednesday, February 20th with City looking to bounce back from this defeat against Yeovil at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday.

Robins continued: "We have to remember it is only half-time and it isn't over. I know it is a big ask now and I imagine there is a full-house there which will make it more difficult.

"It was a real bad day at the office but we have to try and overhaul that. It will be difficult as we wanted to come away with a decent scoreline.

"It wasn't to be and we have to go again. The Crewe keeper has made some great saves and it is amazing that we never got a goal.

"We got the ball into some good areas but we weren't able to take advantage. We have to bounce back and I am sure the players will respond."